A Walk Down Memory Lane

Today I took advantage of the amazing fall weather and a rare commitment-free day to go for a walk. Sometimes I walk around our lake neighborhood but it is only a little over a mile and I get bored so I rarely go around more than once. Today I decided to start at one point and walk to another no matter how long it took. It took a hour and a half!

I walked along one of our community walking trails and enjoyed the bright Autumn sun and crisp air. I came across a mouse in the path....it was dead, thankfully. I watched a beautiful deer bound along the ditch and then stop and watch me approach before bounding off again into the woods. Squirrels played tag across my path and I had to laugh.

Now I have walked part of this path in the last couple of years but I always turn around at a certain point and head back. My time is always too tight. But not today. Today I blew right past my usual turn around spot and kept chugging along.

I am so glad I did! I quickly came upon the spot where Rick, the kids and I went fishing in the dark one night. We roasted weenies and made s'mores and made some memories. I smiled as I passed by.

As I continued on I entered the area where I used to run when I was waiting for Chase's adoption to go through. I have not thought of those tough days for a long time. We waited for him for 2 years and I remember the the deals I made with God as I ran; if I run to that tree we would get a call with good news. It never worked but it kept me busy.

Continuing on, I walked down the stretch of paved path where Sofie practiced walking with her first prosthesis. She was 2 years old and loved the freedom of leaving her stroller behind as she walked away. I can still hear her sweet giggle from that day.

Further on I came upon the picnic table where I sat to enjoy the view and the sound of the little waterfall when things were really stressful. I still love that spot.

Just beyond the picnic table and waterfall is the spot where I let our pet rabbits loose in the park. In my own defense, it was many years ago, I didn't know it was illegal and I thought it was a beautiful place to live if you were a bunny!

Trekking on, I recognized the little incline where Ana fell while rollerblading and broke her arm. That was a terrible day! We were a ways from the vehicle, I was running and the kids were rollerblading. Bless her heart, Ana was a trooper.

As I neared the spot where I planned to turn around I passed the one spot along the path where the pine tres smell so good. It is so odd and I don't know why it is only there but I love it. It smells like Christmas to me.

Finally I reached my turn-around point and headed back toward my car...enjoying all my memories in reverse.